LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Sydney Roosters faithful were treated to a glimpse of the future this week - and it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.
The Tricolours will bid farewell to winger Joseph Suaalii at the end of the season, and he showcased exactly why they'll miss him with a stellar performance against Newcastle on Thursday night.
The rising star, who is set to switch to rugby union, made 19 runs for 195m, evaded four tacklers, and made one electrifying line break as the injury-plagued Roosters clinched a nail-biting 22-20 victory.
Suaalii's dominance coincided with the omission of Mark Nawaqanitawase - the man expected to fill his shoes - from the struggling NSW Waratahs side for their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders.
Nawaqanitawase, who recently signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Roosters, has failed to find the try-line in seven appearances and has struggled to make an impact on the field.
Triston Reilly, a former player for the Wests Tigers, has been called up to take his spot in the team.
Speculation is rife that Nawaqanitawase's exclusion could jeopardize his chances of donning the Wallabies jersey under the tutelage of new Australia coach Joe Schmidt.
Rugby legend Tim Horan has voiced his support for Tahs coach Darren Coleman's decision to drop the underperforming winger.